Many content publishers are considering the idea of charging for content or offering exclusive content. Some, because they are experiencing a drastic drop in advertising revenue. Others, because they want to treat customers or subscribers to special content in a special way not available to the casual surfer.

Here are some types of memberships sites you may be considering:

1. A specialty information site accessible only by paying members.
   


2. A graphic or stock photo service sold on a time limited access.
   


3. A specialized support area exclusive to your company's customers or purchasers of specific products.
   


4. An exclusive area on your site for your ezine subscribers.
   


5. A personal area accessible only by you and very special friends.

Some membership sites have only a page or two, some are huge, some have forums and other member activities, some offer exclusive downloads. Regardless of the content, some kind of password protection system must be in place.

Many password protection programs use the Apache .htaccess file to monitor access. Others have their own methods independent of .htaccess. (.htaccess is one file in a password system built into the Apache internet server software.)

How you develop your site depends, at least in part, on what password protection program you are using. Some are easier to install and administer than others. Features vary widely.

This article introduces the Master Members Only password protection program. Its retail price is $175 (USD).

A special price of $99 is available for 10 days, until May 18, 2001, for WillMaster Possibilities subscribers and readers of this syndicated article. No other promotion of this drastic price savings is being made. It's a steal available only to special people. You may give your friends the special price URL, but don't tell the world.

The special price URL is http://willmaster.com/a/9/pl.pl?mmo

After May 18, 2001, the above URL will redirect to the page with the regular retail price.

Master Members Only has many excellent features, including the ability to handle sites of one to thousands of pages and accepting membership information from external programs (such as programs that obtain credit card approval).

Read all about it at the special price URL, above. You can also read the manual, use the demo, and view some of the control panels.

We're so excited about Master Members Only that we're already planning features for the next version, including the ability to import data such as external member or subscriber lists. Purchase of Master Members Only entitles you to free upgrades, even if you buy it at the special price of $99.

Copyright 2001 William Bontrager
Programmer/Publisher, "WillMaster Possibilities" ezine
http://willmaster.com/possibilities/
subscribe-possibilities@willmaster.com
Business Home Page: http://willmaster.com/